Kids’ Bikes Buying Guide

Find the perfect bike

Help your child ride comfortably, avoid injury & truly discover the joy of riding a bike.

Free & easy returns

Not the right bike? We gladly accept returns for a full refund within 90 days.

Find the right tricycle

• These are suitable for the youngest riders and can also be called "toddler trikes" • The perfect way to prepare your toddler for their first bike • There are styles that can grow with your child, like a 4-in-1 trike or a tricycle with a push handle

How to find their size

Tricycles aren’t measured by wheel height like other kids’ bikes.Instead, choose a tricycle by its weight capacity, your child’s age and the features you’re looking for.

Explore all tricycles

Find the right balance bike

• They are also called "push bikes" or "run bikes" • The pedal-free design helps them build the skills of balance, leaning and steering • Developing these skills first makes transitioning to pedals easier

Things to consider

It’s most important that their feet can touch the ground, so they can push off while staying seated. The frame should weigh no more than 30% of the rider’s body weight. Most parents choose between using a balance bike or training wheels.

How to find their size

Shop by their age, height or inseam to find the right tire size.Use a pair of their pants to find their inseam. Measure the length of the seam that runs along the inside of the pant leg—from the crotch all the way to the edge of one leg.

18 months to 3 years or 24″ to 37″ height or 10″ to 12″ inseam = 10″ & under balance bike

2 years & up or 26″ to 42″ height or 12″ to 19″ inseam = 12″ & over balance bike

Explore all balance bikes

Find the right training-wheels bike

• They can also be called "transitional bikes" • These bikes include stabilizing wheels that can be removed as they gain skill and confidence • This is a different way to learn to ride a bike instead of a balance bike • They have coaster brakes (a.k.a. “backpedal brakes”) that let the rider slow down by reversing the pedal direction

How to find their size

2 to 5 years or 26″ to 42″ height or 12″ to 19″ inseam = 12″ transitional bike

3 to 7 years or 38″ to 48″ height or 18″ to 23″ inseam = 16″ transitional bike

Explore all training-wheels bikes

Find the right pedal bike

• These are more "traditional" bikes they ride until they fit an adult bike • They’re styled after BMX or mountain bikes • Compared to adult bikes, these have fewer gears and pedals better positioned for easier and stronger strokes

Things to consider

Seat height is important, only their toes should touch the ground when seated.The frame should weigh no more than 50% of their body weight.

How to find their size

7 to 13 years or 48″ to 56″ height or 22″ to 28″ inseam = 20″ pedal bike

10 to 15 years or 56″ to 66″ height or 27″ to 31″ inseam = 24″ pedal bike

26″ wheels and above = time for an adult bike

Explore all pedal bikes

6 features to consider

Bikes come in all shapes and sizes. Being familiar with the features lets you find the best bike for your child.

1.

Handlebar rise

For young riders, a mid-rise handlebar (level with their belly button) is ideal. For experienced riders, ideal rise depends on riding style—more aggressive riders may enjoy a lower rise, & more casual riders may prefer a higher rise.

2.

Standover height

When standing over the top tube of the bike (in front of the seat), there should be an inch or two of clearance between the rider & the frame. This gap helps prevent injury in case the child slips forward while riding. May vary slightly between pedal and balance bikes.

3.

Frame weight

Lighter bike frames are almost always easier for young riders to manage. As a general rule, you should select the lightest bike you can find within your price range.

4.

Seat height

Seat height is the most accurate indicator of how a bike will fit your child, as bikes with the same size tire can fit a child very differently.

5.

Brake type

Any child’s bike is only as good as their ability to stop it. Before you place a child on a bike, it is essential that they know how to brake. The two main types are hand brakes and coaster brakes.